Too much tire degradation for Verstappen

As in Spain, Max Verstappen was one of the big beneficiaries of the incidents at the first turn on the Gilles Villeneuve route. After getting the better of Rosberg, who left in the escape route of the first corner after his contact with Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman climbed into third position against his teammate Daniel Ricciardo and held his position for a long time, but could not contain the Williams de Valtteri Bottas.

“We wanted to finish on the podium in front of the Williams but we quickly understood that we suffered from a little too much tire degradation, confesses the winner of the Spanish Grand Prix. I think a little rain could have helped us today. At first I saved my tires and fuel, because I knew I couldn't stay in contact. When Daniel returned, I decided it was time to attack. »

Verstappen then faced the return of Nico Rosberg, who ultimately failed to get the better of the young driver. Milton Keynes, notably making a mistake during his final attempt when braking the last chicane.

“I enjoyed the last ten laps, but they were the hardest of my life, continues Jos Verstappen’s son. I had been fourth for a very long time, so I didn't want to give up that position. It was a very difficult battle. Rosberg was very strong but we managed to stay in front. »

Verstappen also praised the qualities of the block Renault evolved, which he released here, after having let Daniel Ricciardo inaugurate the revised and corrected V6 turbo/hybrid in Monaco. “I am very satisfied with the new engine, you could see that it was difficult for the Mercedes to try to pass in the long straight. » concludes the Red Bull driver, who is ultimately ahead of Ricciardo, only 7th this Sunday in Montreal.

Find the full report and analysis of the Canadian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Montreal, in issue 2067 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening at 22 p.m. in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.